Meet Yelena Epshteyn, Director of Account Management for Brand Performance in our New York office! For the last eight years, Yelena has been a rockstar at AdColony, supporting everyone she works with. In her free time during quarantine, she’s become a fitness fanatic! Get to know her better in this week’s AdColonized!
What exactly does a Director of Account Management for the Brand Performance team do at AdColony? What’s an average day like for you?
I oversee Client Services on the Brand Performance team where we manage all of AdColony’s non-gaming app install campaigns. We work with some of the coolest and most recognizable brands in the world. I make it my mission to ensure that the team provides top-notch customer service to our clients and that we are strong partners to our sales force so that they are fully armed with the latest and greatest of our product offering to grow current relationships and win new business.
When not under quarantine, the average day starts off with getting into our beautiful NY office bright and early, grabbing a coffee, and taking in the awe-inspiring bird’s eye view of New York City before the fun begins.
The day then starts with emails and a team check in to review the data from the previous day as well as any outstanding items pertaining to each campaign. Following that is a series of meetings, more emails, reviewing reports, and deep dives into projects that enable us to continue to drive revenue and meet our goals.
Tell us a little about your experiences prior to joining AdColony and how they have prepared you for your role here.
It’s hard to remember a time before AdColony as I’ve been here for close to 8 years!
Before joining AdColony, I got my foot in the door to AdTech at CBS Interactive, where I was an Account Coordinator for GameSpot.* This is the place where I learned AdTech 101 and most importantly how to juggle a million things at the same time without losing my mind!
It taught me time management, communication, and people skills that I was able to build on and succeed with at AdColony.
*Fun Fact: While my work at CBSi mostly consisted of running Desktop campaigns, mobile advertising was just starting to be a thing. Advertisers were starting to dip their toes into the space and I ran a couple of campaigns via AdMarvel, which later was acquired by and (later later) rebranded to AdColony.
What makes AdColony the right fit for you?
Having been here for as long as I have, I actually think about this often. And the truth is that unequivocally the reason that this is the best place for me is because of the incredible support I receive from my team and management. I have a great manager who looks out for me and some of the greatest people I’ve ever met and had the pleasure to work alongside with. I held residence in 3 different AdColony offices (San Mateo/San Francisco/New York) and the people are the best part! It also helps that the work is incredibly interesting, challenging, and ever-changing.
Sure, not every day is a treat, but this place really makes it easy for me to show up as my best self. I feel lucky and proud to have had my career grow and flourish at AdColony.
AdColony values employee development. How do you keep growing and learning in what you do?
I read people management blogs, talk to manager friends, and, of course, always seek counsel from the people I admire. I try my best to follow industry news on the latest in mobile and tech and take advantage of all the knowledge sharing across the teams.
Is there someone you turn to personally or professionally?
Sasha Mircov and Jude O’Connor have been instrumental in my growth, contributions, and achievements at AdColony. I am grateful for their mentorship, guidance, and support through the years.
And of course, my husband. He gave me a huge boost of confidence when I was first starting out and helped me keep my eye on the prize. He continues to be my biggest supporter, champion, and confidant.
What are your hobbies or activities that you look forward to doing on the weekends or after work?
Exercise! Being stuck at home with a remote learning Kindergartner, a toddler, and a husband who still has to go into the office, things have been hectic. Carving out time for myself to exercise 6-7 days a week has been great for my mental health. (And my physical health! I recently mastered the one-legged squat!)
On the weekends, well, it’s just trying to keep everyone safe, healthy, and sane!
Which app is keeping you engaged lately? Why?
Instagram. I have taken full advantage of all the at-home bodyweight exercise content.
And TikTok. I try to limit myself to a couple of TikTok browsing sessions a week (because once I start, I can’t stop), but I always find something where I am crying from laughter. People are so funny and creative. (I am not one of those people.)
Tell us one or two fun facts about you.
I have lived in Moscow, San Francisco, and New York.
On a vacation in Costa Rica, I rescued a sloth who was trying to cross a busy road. And by rescued, I mean I picked him up and put him back onto a tree, which he proceeded to climb at a fascinatingly slow speed.
*Fun sloth fact: they are very thin and boney, but their fur is very long and soft.
What is your favorite moment you’ve had with the AdColony team so far?
I lost count of all the incredible times I have had with the team. From ball games, to shows, bowling, to axe throwing, shuffleboarding, karaoke, downright epic holiday parties, etc.
The best part of hanging out with the team is the fact that everyone genuinely enjoys each other’s company. We LOVE hanging out together.
What are you listening to lately (music, podcasts, etc.)?
I listen to a lot of Baby Shark right now. I don’t want to brag, but I know all the words.
What are you looking forward to most in the next 5 years?
Watching my little girls grow and enjoying all the silliness, traveling again, and growing in my career.
About AdColonized
Each AdColonized feature shines a light on a different member of the AdColony team. From favorite apps and hobbies to fun facts, we cover it all! Who do you want to see on the next AdColonized? Tweet it to @AdColony. For the latest AdColony mobile news and updates, follow @AdColony on Twitter, like us on Facebook, or connect on Linkedin.
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- AdColonized: Getting to Know Britany Scott - December 16, 2020
